Pop Quiz: “True or False: You Can Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim in Ohio?”

Pop quiz time. No scantron needed. Just your gut reaction:

True or False:   You can be fired for filing a Workers’ Compensation claim in Ohio.

If you answered “True”, don’t feel bad this is one of the most common misconceptions we hear from injured workers.

If you answered “False,” congratulations. You’re ahead of the curve.

  The Correct Answer: FALSE

Under Ohio Revised Code 4123.90, an employer cannot fire, discipline, or otherwise retaliate against an employee simply for filing a Workers’ Compensation claim or for testifying in a Workers’ Comp proceeding.

In plain English:   Filing a claim is not a fireable offense in Ohio.

The law is designed to protect workers who are injured on the job and need medical care or wage replacement benefits. You are allowed to report your injury, seek treatment, and file a claim—without fear of being shown the door just for doing so.

But Here’s Where It Gets Complicated…

Under the law, if your employer pays into the state workers’ compensation fun, you have to have filed the claim for this protection to kick in.

And while the law is clear, real life isn’t always so tidy.

Some employers don’t come right out and say, “We’re firing you because you filed a claim.” Instead, retaliation can be subtle:

Suddenly you’re “not a good fit”

Your performance is questioned for the first time

Policies are enforced against you that were ignored before

Your job is “eliminated” shortly after your injury

That’s why timing, documentation, and legal advice matter.

What Workers Should Know

You have the right to file a Workers’ Comp claim.

You have the right to medical treatment for a work injury.

You have legal protection against retaliation.

If you are fired or disciplined after filing a claim, that may be a separate legal issue worth addressing.

And your time is very limited to do something about it. 

Why Talking to a Lawyer Matters

Retaliation cases are fact-specific and often employer-defended aggressively. Proving why someone was fired is rarely straightforward—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.

At The Law Offices of Kurt M. Young, LLC, we help Ohio workers understand not just their Workers’ Compensation rights, but how those rights intersect with their employment.

We will help you speak with a qualified employment law attorney and help them if you hire them.  

Final Answer (Lock It In):

FALSE.

You cannot be fired for filing a Workers’ Compensation claim in Ohio.

If you’ve been injured at work and are worried about your job—or believe you’ve been punished for asserting your rights—it’s worth getting informed before making assumptions.

   419-244-7885

   www.kmylaw.com

Because knowing your rights is the first step to protecting them.